Emene, Enugu Carnage: Governor Ugwuanyi’s Inconclusive and Effeminate Response

By Ifeanyi Obute… 

In the ‘wee’ hours of August 23, 2020, at Emene, Enugu State, there was a bloody mayhem that culminated in multiple loss of lives. Security Operatives comprising of the men of the DSS, NPF, Army etc, stormed a stadium where some unarmed young people were exercising themselves, and there was an altercation that led to multiple fatalities.

The truthful account of what really happened, instantly got mixed up with heavy politicization, hence the ambiguities and controversies that led to various accounts of the same unfortunate INCIDENT. This controversies, now prompted the State Government to summon an emergency Security meeting that held yesterday at Enugu State’s Government House.

The fallouts of the much awaited Security meeting, prompted this write up. The whole of Ndigbo and Enugu State people, who are well known for our peace loving lifestyle, kept our cool as we awaited the outcome of the Security meeting. Yesterday, being the 1st of September, 2020, the meeting was held.
Amongst other things, these are the major fallout from the Security meeting.

The Governor reiterated his position as the Chief Security Officer of Enugu State; “as the CSO of the State, I am at all times committed to doing all within my powers, to ensure the security of lives and properties in Enugu State.” Also, he expressed sadness over the loss of lives, he asked those in custody of weapons snatched from the police to return it, the council also approved joint Security patrols. But, what is most worrisome is that the Governor together with his Security Council, deemed it necessary to give THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR GETTING TO THE ROOT OF THE MATTER, LITTLE MORE TIME TO COMPLETE THEIR WORK.

An objective analysis of the fallouts from the meeting, shows a clear sign of political cowardice, and moral indifference to the plights of the Enugu commoners. The wording and couching of terms, shows the Governor’s inability to call out the reckless excesses of the Security Operatives that took part in the unfortunate incident. The information space is replete with evidence pointing out clearly, the unnecessary employment of excessively reckless force by our security operatives. Their actions, contradicts all the known and unknown tenets and principles of the universal rules of engagement. Under no circumstances, is wanton killing of UNARMED civilians, permitted. Even under the malignant watch of security operatives, the arrested IPOB boys, maintained that they were not armed, other witnesses affirmed so. Yet, there was some shootings that resulted to multiple fatalities, some accounts, as high as 150 deaths, but the most widely reported number is 21 deaths. Who did the shootings, if the IPOB boys were not armed? Up till this very moment, the Governor is finding it difficult to explicitly condemn the killers, he’s just expressing sadness over the loss of lives, and telling us that an UNIDENTIFIED group saddled with the RESPONSIBILITY of getting to the root of the matter, needs to be given a little more time to complete their work. For crying out loud, this is Democracy, the bereaved families needs to be carried along fully, the hurting public, needs to be fully aware of all the happenings. Transparency and Justice, are the two most needed items now!
Unequivocally, the assembly of any outlawed sect, is illegal, but for all intents and purposes, such illegality doesn’t warrant reckless killing of anyone. The lawful prescription of actions to take in such situations is clearly outlined. And I’m certain that the unfortunate incident of August 23, is not one of them. There is no much fact findings to pursue, other than to expressly and publicly condemn the high-handed recklessness of the security operatives that took part in the cowardly operation.

If the average person in Enugu State is not assured of his or her security, all the acclaimed achievements of the State Government must have been in vain.

Without security and freedom, as enshrined in our Constitution, then, the need and purpose of having any Government in place, is not yet achieved.
It’s factual and evident that on the 23rd of August, innocent persons died in the hands of security operatives in Emene, Enugu State, all that the State Government could do, is to express sadness over the loss of lives, initiate joint patrols like there has not been security patrols before, ask for return of snatched weapons (which is completely wrong anyways). Yet, no decisive actions against the reckless security operatives so as to reassure the people, and also effectively forestall any possible recurrence of the incident. The CSO should rise up to the occasion, and show that he can secure his area of jurisdiction.

Also, it’s very disheartening that other notable Igbo persons are finding it hard to resolutely cry out against such brazen display of Mafian style recklessness by the agents of the State’s Security Operatives, against the peace loving Ndigbo, in their own land. Except for the strong voice of Senator Abaribe, no other notable Igbo politician has said anything very clear. It’s most sickening!
Governor Ugwuanyi should as a matter of urgency, fish out all those Security Operatives that are involved, and then use the machineries of the State to bring justice to all. If there are civilians that are also guilty, they should be made to face the law.

Ifeanyi Obute writes from Enugu State. He’s the National Secretary of EDON.
08035087201
ifecojp@gmail.com.

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